Fight over roach infestation lands Summerfield man in jail

Published: Thursday, June 27, 2013 at 12:05 p.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, June 27, 2013 at 6:20 p.m.

SUMMERFIELD — A man who told deputies he got into a fight with his sister over an infestation of roaches was arrested Wednesday and charged with battery by strangulation.

William Bradford Holly, 21, was arrested and taken to the Marion County Jail, where he was being held Thurday with no bond.

According to Marion County Sheriff's Office reports, Deputy Rodney Counts went to the 10900 block of Southeast Timucan Road in Summerfield on Wednesday and found a woman who was being treated by emergency medical personnel.

The woman told the deputy she was helping her brother, Holly, move from his residence to their mother's home. She said that as they were moving items, they began arguing about a mattress and other items that were covered by roaches.

The woman told Counts they got into a shouting match and said her brother pushed her and swung at her, but she ducked. She said she punched him and tried to run away, but he punched her in the back of the head. She said he got her in a choke hold and that as she sank to the ground, he kicked her in the ribs. She said she got loose and ran to her truck and drove away and called 911, the report noted.

The woman was advised to return to the site of the altercation, which is where she was being treated for her injuries.

Deputy Eric Thoresen found Holly walking on Southeast 100th Avenue and brought him back to the incident location. Holly told deputies his sister was helping him move when they argued about roaches on several items. He said she challenged him to a fight and struck him first, so he defended himself. He admitted punching her and placing her in a choke hold.

A juvenile present during the altercation told deputies he saw Holly abuse the woman.

Holly was arrested and taken to the jail.

Contact Austin L. Miller at 867-4118 or austin.miller@starbanner.com.

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